Glow Wire Testing for Luminaires

IEC 60598-1: Luminaires

IEC 60598-1 is an electrical safety standard relating to the safety of luminaires with supply voltages up to 1,000V. Part one of the standard covers general requirements for all of the products which fall under the standard. Part 2 of the standard is a series which covers individual products. Part 1 of the standard should be used alongside each of the part 2 standards. A number of examples of specific products covered can be found below.

60598-2-1

Fixed general purpose luminaires

60598-2-2

Recessed luminaires

60598-2-3

Luminaries for road and street lighting

60598-2-4

Portable general purpose luminaires

60598-2-5

Floodlights

60598-2-7

Portable luminaires for garden use

60598-2-8

Handlamps

60598-2-9

Photo and film luminaires (non-professional)

60598-2-10

Portable luminaires for children

60598-2-11

Aquarium luminaires

60598-2-12

Mains socket-outlet mounted nightlights

60598-2-13

Ground recessed luminaires

60598-2-22

Luminaires for emergency lighting

60598-2-25

Luminaires for use in clinical areas of hospitals and health care buildings

Resistance to Heat, Fire and Tracking

Section 13 of IEC 60598-1 covers the requirements for resistance to heat, fire and tracking, with subclause 13.3.2 requiring a glow wire test. The test in this clause is carried out on parts that provide protection against electric shock.

Specific parts of IEC 60598-2 may have additional requirements for glow wire testing. For example, Clause 22.16 in IEC 60598-2-22 (luminaires for electrical lighting). This states that if the luminaire has a battery, any part which can be moved and may come into contact with the battery should be glow wire tested at 850°c.

Similar requirements are found in the British and European standard BS EN 60598-1:2015